Excursion tour in Edmonton. Top architecture - monuments, castles, temples and palaces
Any review of the architecture of Edmonton would be incomplete without mentioning Legislature Building, Muttart Conservatory, Commonwealth Stadium, Hotel Macdonald, Coast Edmonton House and many others. The virtual flight over these monuments in HD (the video is on the left), the photo galleries of Edmonton, and the most interesting facts about every sight – we have carefully prepared lots of useful information for you. The overview architecture map of Edmonton at the bottom of the page will help you not to get lost in your sightseeing routes of Edmonton. So, let’s go!
Legislature Building, Edmonton
Location on the map: Facts:
» The building was being built for administrative needs from 1907 to 1912. The exterior is typical for state institutions of that period and distinguished by the neoclassical style. » Two types of natural stone were used for the exterior. The lower part of the building is granite. The upper part and columns are covered with sandstone. The rotunda was constructed of over 2 000 tons of marble. Each cylinder weighs 16 tons. The pillar is cut from a solid piece.
» When Queen Elizabeth II paid an official visit in 1959, she saw a fountain bowl prepared specifically for her arrival.
» The facade is adorned with regimental flags of military units taking part in battles. On the memorial plate, you can see surnames of the dead. At the entrance, there is the sculpture of the ruler.
» The main staircase leads to the chamber where the sessions of the representative authority are held. The room accommodates over 200 people.
» The hall door made of fine woods is a masterpiece too. It was made by masters in mahogany carving. The emblem of Alberta is made of the same material. The cabinetmaker had worked for 20 days to cut it.
» The space is illuminated by 600 lights.
Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton
Location on the map: Facts:
» The botanical garden is located in the picturesque district, on the river bank. It was founded in 1976. The money for the decorative park was allocated by the Gladys and Merrill Matart and the city council. Its ecosystem is extraordinary because the garden is located in four glass pyramids situated around the main building. In three rooms, you can acquaint with flora of different parts of the world. Themed seminars and educational shows are held in the fourth room. Big cubes have a total area of 660 m2 and the smaller ones - 410 m2. In the Muttart Conservatory, there are over 700 plant species. There is specific climate control equipment that ensures comfortable conditions for flowers growing here. Besides living organisms, you can also see the collection of natural objects for the herbarium. The guide will tell you about the origin and features of any species. In one of the sections, visitors can see an artificial lake with blooming white water lilies. Some birds and butterflies fly freely here. In spring, the 3-meter agave blooms in one of the greenhouses. It was planted when the Muttart Conservatory had been just opened. Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Location on the map: Facts:
» The construction of the sports arena began in March 1975 and lasted 3 years. » Organizers invested about $30 million in it.
» The sports ground was built to host the Commonwealth Games 1978.
» 42 000 people came here to watch matches.
» 1 474 athletes from 46 countries took part in competitions. 128 different competitions were held at the stadium.
» Five years after, 18 000 spectators’ seats were added for the Summer Universiade.
» The Commonwealth Stadium is the home arena of the professional football team Edmonton Eskimos.
» The playing field is covered with artificial grass.
» There is an agreement with the administration that different events, including music concerts, can be held here.
» The Commonwealth Stadium is a multifunctional field. It is used by runners, football and rugby players.
» Its managers applied for hosting the World Football Championship 2026.
» Two two-level stands were constructed for spectators’ convenience. Side seats have cup holders. Seats are painted in colors of the leading team.
» The idea of constructing a dome was abandoned due to the costliness of equipment.
Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton
Location on the map: Facts:
» In 1912, the new guest house started to be built in the city. The construction lasted 36 months. » Now, you can see the hotel that welcomes tourists with hospitality.
» The exterior of the building is unusual because it resembles an old French castle of the 16th century.
» The hotel is named after the state official Sir John Alexander Macdonald.
» The construction cost $2 250 000.
» The facade of the 7-storey building has a view of the city boulevard. There is a well-kept garden around the hotel.
» The comfort of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is confirmed by three stars.
» Many families choose this place to celebrate weddings and other festive events. For business meetings, there is a separate conference room with all the necessary equipment.
» There are many other places within walking distance from the building that can attract tourists.
» In all the rooms of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, there is climate control equipment, a workplace, and a guest area.
» The hotel has a well-developed infrastructure that includes spa centers, a massage room, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Coast Edmonton House, Edmonton
Facts: » The 45-storey hotel near the embankment is one of the skyscrapers in the city.
» The building is 121 m high.
» The construction was completed in 1971.
» The gray building has the shape of a regular polygon or a toothed wheel.
» The Edmonton House is the highest hotel among guest houses located in the settlement. This feature attracts a lot of visitors. Its windows have a view of the neighborhood.
» 302 rooms will satisfy guests with comfort and coziness. You can use the high-speed Internet in the rooms. Pets are also allowed here. There is climate control equipment and a plasma TV. There is also a freezer for storing foods. In the kitchen, there is everything you need: a coffee maker, an electric tea kettle, and a microwave oven. In the bathroom, you can use all toiletries for free.
» The guest house has a well-developed infrastructure. There is a conference hall for business meetings and a separate sector for festive events. Those who want to improve their health can visit spas and a fitness center.
Rexall Place, Edmonton
Facts: » From the beginning, matches took place on the frozen river turned into an ice rink. The first competition in the history of the settlement was organized here.
» The first covered ice rink was built in 1896. In 1902, the sports ground with a capacity of 2 000 spectators was constructed at the expense of the local businessman.
» The sports complex opened on New Year’s Eve in 1913 was named Edmonton Stock Pavilion.
» The stadium was reconstructed in 1974. It was called Northlands Coliseum.
» At that time, the construction cost С$17 million.
» The local team played over 2 000 matches here.
» Figure skating and other championships were organized.
» Over the years of its existence, the name of the stadium had changed many times. In 2004, it was named Rexall after the namesake medical organization that holds the license for the name.
» In 1972, the Edmonton Oilers team was founded. In 2016, Edmonton Oilers played the last match at Rexall. After the match, the ice field was covered with blue cloth. On it, the symphony orchestra performed overtures in honor of the team. All the musicians were in suits.
» The Rexall Place accommodates over 17 000 fans.
» There are also 52 VIP seats.
St. Josaphat Cathedral , Edmonton
Facts: » The Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat established a congregation in the city and possessed a church (1902). Monks followed the rules established in the 4th century: they prayed and toiled. Parishioners visited the church too.
» In 1938, it was necessary to update the building. Architects decided to combine elements of several architectural styles in the exterior of the construction. The building is distinguished by simple forms and moderate ornaments. You can see patterns of light stone on top of the outer walls. The construction lasted 10 years.
» St. Josaphat Church was blessed and became a cathedral.
» It is named after the Holy Martyr St. Josaphat.
» The main white staircase with three flights leads to the red-brick construction. Eight white columns support the vault. You can enter the building through 3 arched doors. Two-level towers are attached to the House of God. They are crowned by high spires ending with crosses. Narrow lancet windows are stained glass.
» The territory of the cathedral is fenced with a cast-iron fence divided by pillars and matching the main building.
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